Introduction: Celebrating a birthday is a joyous occasion in any culture. In Japan, birthdays are an important milestone filled with traditions and unique customs. If you’ve ever wanted to wish someone a happy birthday in Japanese, this article will teach you three ways to say it.

1. Otanjoubi Omedetou (お誕生日おめでとう)

The most common phrase to say happy birthday in Japanese is “Otanjoubi Omedetou” (お誕生日おめでとう). It is a simple and direct way to offer your birthday wishes. “Otanjoubi” (お誕生日) means “birthday,” and “Omedetou” (おめでとう) translates to “congratulations” or “well done.” Together, the phrase essentially means “Congratulations on your birthday.” This expression can be used in both formal and informal situations with friends, family members, or colleagues.

2. Otanjoubi Omedetou Gozaimasu (お誕生日おめでとうございます)

If you find yourself in a more formal setting, or want to convey a higher level of politeness, you can use the phrase “Otanjoubi Omedetou Gozaimasu” (お誕生日おめでとうございます). The addition of “Gozaimasu” (ございます) at the end makes it more polite and respectful, making it appropriate for occasions where you want to show extra courtesy or when addressing someone with a higher social status than yourself.

3. Tanjoubi no Kangei/Kikenbi (誕生日の歓迎/記念日)

A less common but equally valid way to convey your birthday wishes is by saying “Tanjoubi no Kangei” (誕生日の歓迎) or “Tanjoubi no Kikenbi” (誕生日の記念日). “Kangei” (歓迎) means “welcome,” while “Kikenbi” (記念日) translates to “anniversary.” This phrase is more suitable for use in cards or written messages rather than in spoken conversation. It implies the sentiment of welcoming or celebrating the birthday as an important day or anniversary.

Conclusion: Now that you know three ways to say happy birthday in Japanese, you can confidently wish your Japanese friends or coworkers a delightful birthday celebration. Try to incorporate these phrases into your vocabulary and spread the joy of birthdays across cultures!